Italy Visa RequirementsFor Greece passport holders
Greek citizens travel to Italy without any visa. Both are EU and Schengen members. Italy and Greece have centuries of shared Mediterranean history and culture.
Great news! Greece passport holders can enter Italy without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No visa required. A valid Greek passport or national identity card is accepted. For stays exceeding three months, registration at the local Anagrafe (municipal registry) is required. The EHIC card covers emergency medical treatment in Italy.
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Greece to Italy: What You Need to Know
Italy and Greece are both EU and Schengen members with a shared ancient history. Greek nationals enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement to Italy, including the right to live, work and study. The two countries share the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, with ferry connections between Greek and Italian ports. Italy is the most visited country by Greek tourists after other Mediterranean destinations.
Money & Banking
Italy uses the euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available. Card payments are accepted in most establishments. Smaller shops and restaurants in rural areas may prefer cash.
Practical Tips
Ferry connections operate between Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu (Greece) to Bari, Brindisi, Ancona and Venice (Italy). Direct flights connect Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG) to Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP) and other Italian cities. Italy and Greece share strong cultural, Orthodox and historical ties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Greek citizens need a visa to visit Italy?
No. Both Greece and Italy are EU and Schengen members. Greek nationals travel freely to Italy with no stay limit.
Are there ferry connections between Greece and Italy?
Yes. Daily ferry services connect Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu (Greece) to Bari, Brindisi, Ancona and Venice (Italy). These are popular routes for Greek travellers driving to Western Europe.
What ferry routes connect Greece and Italy?
Multiple ferry routes operate year-round between Greece and Italy: Patras-Ancona (20-22 hours), Patras-Bari (15-17 hours), Patras-Brindisi (9-11 hours), Igoumenitsa-Brindisi (8-9 hours), Igoumenitsa-Ancona (19-20 hours), and Corfu-Brindisi (6-8 hours). Grimaldi Lines, Minoan Lines (Grimaldi), Superfast Ferries, and Anek Lines operate these routes. An overnight ferry effectively combines travel with accommodation.
Can Greek nationals work in Italy?
Yes. As EU citizens, Greek nationals have full freedom of movement in Italy, including the right to work without a permit.
What are the most popular Italian destinations for Greek tourists?
Rome (ancient history, Vatican, cuisine), the Amalfi Coast (dramatic coastal scenery similar to Greek islands but with Italian flair), Sicily (Greek temples at Agrigento, Segesta, and Selinunte, Etna, Baroque cities), Florence (Renaissance art), Venice (unique canal city), and Puglia (heel of Italy, closest to Greece) are the most visited.
What currency does Italy use?
Italy uses the euro (EUR), the same as Greece.
What is Magna Graecia and where can I see ancient Greek ruins in Italy?
Magna Graecia refers to the ancient Greek colonies of southern Italy and Sicily. Best preserved Greek temples include: Paestum (Campania, three Doric temples in excellent condition), Agrigento Valley of the Temples (Sicily, UNESCO site), Segesta (Sicily, unfinished Doric temple), and Selinunte (Sicily, massive temple complex). These rival anything in mainland Greece in preservation.
Is the EHIC valid in Italy?
Yes. The EHIC covers emergency medical treatment throughout Italy.
How much does it cost to visit Rome or Florence?
Rome mid-range travel: EUR 100-150 per day including accommodation in central areas. Florence is slightly less expensive. The Colosseum requires advance booking (EUR 18 + fees) and the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (EUR 20-25) sell out weeks ahead. Early booking is essential.
Are there direct flights from Greece to Italy?
Yes. Multiple airlines offer direct flights from Athens and Thessaloniki to Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP/LIN), Naples (NAP), Venice (VCE) and other Italian cities.
What Italian foods should Greek travelers seek out?
Regional Italian food varies enormously. In Rome: cacio e pepe, carbonara, coda alla vaccinara. In Naples: wood-fired pizza margherita, sfogliatelle pastries. In Bologna: tagliatelle al ragu (the original bolognese). In Sicily: arancini, pasta alla norma, cannoli. Greek visitors often note similarities with Greek cuisine in the fresh ingredients, olive oil, and seafood, while discovering distinct flavors.
What language do Italians speak and do they understand English?
Italian is the official language. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants in major cities. In smaller towns and rural areas, Italian is preferred. Greek and Italian share many loanwords from Ancient Greek roots, which can occasionally create amusing false familiarity.
How do I validate tickets on Italian trains?
For regional Italian trains (not high-speed Frecce), paper tickets must be validated in the yellow or green machines on the platform before boarding. Failure to validate results in fines even with a valid ticket. High-speed Frecciarossa tickets are already registered to the traveler and do not require validation.